Discover Music

March 4, 2008. Posted by Becca Pulliam.

This could become an occasional report from your JazzSet producer, ears and eyes open, standards on the high side.Last night I went to see Michelle Walker sing at Zinc Bar. She's next generation and I like her! People will ask "who does she sound like?" so, without taking anything away from Michelle, I'll say Roberta Flack. Much of Michelle's material is original. With Daniela Schaechter (who's been on JazzSet and I'm a fan) on electric piano, Joseph Lepore on bass, and Dan Aran on drums, Michelle is leading a GREAT band, and deserves one. She sings on March 24 at The Bar Next Door. Her company is Jazz Girl Productions, and her myspace page is http://www.myspace.com/michellewalkerjazz

When I got home, I opened a CD entitled "The Third Time Around" by pianist Sacha Perry, with Ari Roland on bass and Phil Stewart on drums. With all compositions by Perry, I'm reminded of "The Amazing Bud Powell" LP's. In other words, I'm happy! New compositions, miniature in feel, fast paced, well played, brain food and sounds good too. I listened to this CD three times this morning! On the Smalls Records label. http://www.smallsrecords.com/art-perry.htm

Yesterday, we had Grand Pianoramax in our studio. Grand Pianoramax is the meta name for Leo Tardin, a Swiss-born pianist who won the Montreux International Piano Competition in 1999. Leo has discovered an intriguing combination of jazz, breakbeat, and poetry. Grand Pianoramax just finished a tour with the original JB horn, Maceo Parker,who also has a cool new record.
Here's some video of the WBGO session. It's called "Showdown," from the new CD, The Biggest Piano in Town.
This is actually the first take. The second take is the real keeper. You'll be able to hear that when we post the audio of the full session. All three tunes. In the meantime, enjoy this:

As my tenth anniversary at Jazz 88 is fast approaching, I remember my first few days at the radio station. I didn't know enough about the music to comment on anything. I had to rely on my personal Jazz Dictionary, Gary Walker. Thanks to the morning maestro, I've learned so much about jazz now...to a point where I play air drums, piano and sax in the studio in between newscasts. I'm also blessed to be working at a radio station where so many talented artists come to visit. Two recent events made me realize I've actually become a part of the jazz community. Trumpeter Jon Faddis agreed to shoot the breeze with me about sports and jazz on SportsJam and bassist John Lee complimented my work during a recent visit to Cecil's Jazz Club in West Orange. Very cool to have two terrific guys who played with Dizzy Gillespie make me feel special!